When a new neighbour turns your whole world around…

Synopsis

Allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Tyler Hayes, and I’m a fireman.

Sorry to already disappoint you, but I’m not the person you think I am.

My charming uniform and seductive smile have caused nothing but trouble, and my not-so-honourable reputation, which I used to be so proud of, has kept me away from the one person I wanted to spend the rest of my life baking cookies for; my sweet, beautiful, slightly crazy Miss White.

I guess now I need to tell the whole story.

At forty years old, following years of self-sabotage, I’ve suddenly found myself admitting that I know absolutely nothing. Maybe my friend Niall was right when he told me to accept the process and just grow up. And now it’s too late; I’ll never be able to keep her close to me. All that’s left to do is watch helplessly – but deservedly – as my world comes tumbling down around me.

My review

Take any cliché about a fireman, and you have Tyler Hayes. He enjoys his status as a single man, and has a reputation with the ladies. He against any kind of commitment, and spending one night with is woman is more than enough.

When Holly White moves in the apartment next to his, Tyler wants her initially out as soon as possible. Holly is also totally off limits, as she is teaching his twin teachers, and teachers of the school are strictly forbidden, on instructions of his brother.

Too bad that the one thing he shouldn’t want, appears to be the only thing he really wants…

This story gave me different feelings and emotions.

On one hand, I loved reading about two totally opposite characters are starting to fall for each other yet trying to resist the attraction.
Yet there were a few things that bothered me a bit, but I will explain them further on.

Tyler is the perfect example of a player. He goes from one woman to another, never ready to make a commitment. He makes it clear what his intentions are, and makes sure that nobody gets hurt afterwards. So he’s not a a**hole, but just a flirt.

When he meets Holly, his instincts are his usual ones. But there is more to Holly than he expected.
After the first meeting that was a disaster, sparks are flying all around the place, and we see a change in Tyler, a change for the better.

Holly has moved for a temporarily job for a few months. She is a bit shy and has a rather closed personality. Thanks to the way she is welcomed by the teachers is opening her up more.
But there is more to her than just her shyness. Because of her mother was a hippie, Holly never knew who her father was, and makes her feel like she has on roots or family.
So she has mission… but that will not be her only mission.

From the very start, I loved reading about the banter and pushing and pulling away between Holly and Tyler. It was lovely to read how these two characters are learning to trust each other, and are ready to throw some of their restrictions away, just for each other.
The misunderstandings that sometimes are building, are funny to read about it, and the sweet moments are truly swoon – material.

But like I said there were some things that bothered me… initially I found it funny how Tyler referred to Holly as ‘Miss White’. It was an inside joke and I had several laughs when he called her like that. But at some point I started to find it annoying. A joke is only funny until a certain level, and then for me it became more childish instead of being a cute nickname.

Also Holly lacking in confidence towards the opposite sex made me frown a bit. We are not talking about totally inexperience, because she had had some. But she is certain that no one will feel attracted to her. And yes, insecurities make do you feel that way. But her plan to gain more confidence was not what I expected from a teacher. And how her colleagues were convincing her to continue with it, well, I don’t see teachers acting that tiny bit of childish.

But if I look past these few things that bothered me, or just read them quickly, and I focus on Holly and Tyler, I found this a sweet, entertaining story.
It shows how people can change when falling in love and when you find that special one, you would do anything for him/her.

Trying to find Love old – school

Synopsis

Emily’s Struggling To Find Romance Online. Will Ditching The Dating Apps Lead To True Love?

Online dating isn’t working for introvert Emily. Although she’s comfortable swiping right at home in her PJs, the idea of going out to meet a guy in person fills her with dread.

So when her best friend challenges her to ditch the apps, attend a load of awkward singles’ events and find love in real life, Emily wants to run for the hills.

Then she meets Josh. He’s handsome, kind and funny, but Emily’s had her heart crushed before and knows he’s hiding something…

Is Josh too good to be true? Can Emily learn to trust again and if she does, will it lead to love or more heartache?

Love Offline is a fun, sexy, entertaining story about friendship, stepping outside of your comfort zone and falling in love the old-fashioned way. Ideal for fans of Sophie Kinsella, Lindsey Kelk and Beth O’Leary’s The Flatshare.

My review

Emily is your typical modern introvert woman. She has no problem with swiping left or right on dating apps, but when it comes to meeting her match in real life, she finds excuse after excuse to cancel the meeting. And let’s admit, she is still hoping that one day her ex – boyfriend will stand on her doorstep, begging for forgiveness and a second chance.

When her best friend challenges her to go offline and step out of her comfort zone, Emily doesn’t want to do it at first, but gives in.
Suddenly she finds herself going to awkward singles’ events, walks in parks etc. no matter how uncomfortable these activities make her feel.

Will she also find love? And can she find it closer than she thought?  Can Emily learn to trust again and give love chance?

This was a fabulous story to read!

First of all, I recognized a lot of Emily in myself. Despite me being very loud at occasions, only thinking about going somewhere where I don’t know people, is giving me the chills.
So yes, I was terrified together with Emily when she was going out on her own. But I was also proud of her, that she dared to do it, despite her fears! I wish I could find somewhere her courage too!

When she meets Josh, it seemed that finally luck was on her side. Josh looked to me like the perfect man. He is everything a woman would dream of. Yet there seems to be a secret that he is keeping.

I was a bit afraid of what this secret could be, but it is way more innocent than you think!

I have to admit, I thought that after a specific chapter, I reached the end, so I was very surprised to find several more chapters!
And these ‘extra’ chapters, if I can call them that way, shows how trust is an important, if not the most important, thing in a relationship.

But it is not just a story about finding love. It’s also a story about stepping out your comfort zone, daring to take a chance. It shows us how much we are relying on social media and that we only show the world a perfect, unreal version of ourselves. People are almost afraid to show who they really are and are afraid of being on the receiving part of negative comments.

This book wants to show us on a funny way that just being ourselves is more than enough and that the right people will accept you just the way you are!

I loved reading it from the first sentence until the very last word. And if you can’t get enough of it like me, there are even bonus chapters that made me love the whole story even more!

When you cannot follow your heart…

Synopsis

Letting down her guard…

Might save her life…

With their family name in tatters, Katherine Leofric and her sister are headed for a new life at their brother’s estate. They are escorted by the hardened Jarin, Earl of Borwyn, whom Katherine believes is only after her dowry! Then her sister is abducted on their treacherous journey, and Katherine must rely on Jarin’s protection. Now, seeing a different side to the man she’s sworn to hate, it’s her heart that’s most at risk!

My review

Katherine Leofric and her sister can finally start a new life at their brother’s estate. After a difficult life with their mother, they are ready to taste freedom.
They are escorted by Jarin, Earl of Borwyn, a man that Katherine despises from the moment she heard a conversation he was having on her brother’s wedding.

But when her sister is abducted during the journey, Katherine must rely on Jarin. Not only will they have to work together to find her sister again, but they also have to figure out who is after them and why.
While they are working together, Katherine sees different side of Jarin and she finds herself falling in love with a man that can never be hers…

Ella Matthews did it again! This is a story that totally swept me away!

I was so excited to read about Katherine and her sister. In the first book, we already got a glimpse of them but the focus was on their brother Braedan.

Yet we knew already then that the two women did not have an easy life ‘thanks’ to their mother.

From the minute we met Katherine, I felt a bit sorry for her. It is her sister that makes head turn while she is described as “plain”. So when she hears Jarin talk about her stating the same, it’s obvious she gets mad. And I was surely fighting in her corner!

On the journey to Katherine her brother, I had so much fun! I just loved the bickering between Katherine and Jarin. I can add these two characters to my list of moist stubborn people!
Katherine is tired of being bossed around and surely she won’t allow Jarin to do the same. Good for her! Although there is a difference between being bossed around and accepting a piece of advice. And Jarin surely needs to learn how to communicate properly!

But when Katherine’s sister has been kidnapped, these stubborn people have to work together. And here they start to bond. The bickering is still there of course, for our entertainment. But now they need to trust each other and they get to an understanding and understand each other also better.

Even though I kind of knew what the ending would be like, I felt sorry for Katherine. Finally she meets a man she has feelings for, and he is the most righteous man. he will do whatever he can to protect the sisters’ reputation, even if it means marrying Katherine’s sister.

I loved this story because the fun I had during my read. But also it was about putting other needs before yours. Katherine knows she will have her heart broken, but better to have her heart broken and not her sister… talking about love…
But it is also about trust and how it can be broken, but also mended.

Reading about these two stubborn yet loveable people was cheering my days and I was looking forward every time I had some free moments to read!

I also have a question for the author… would there be a possibility of a book about Linota too? I would love to read about her too! 😄

How a certain perception can be wrong.

Synopsis

Two women. One heartbreaking secret.

Paris, 1943.

Sylvie Martone is the star of French cinema, and adored by fans. But as Nazi officers swarm the streets of Paris, she is spotted arm in arm with an SS Officer and her fellow Parisians begin to turn against her.

However Sylvie has a secret – one she must protect with her life.

Paris, 2020.

Juliana Chastain doesn’t know anything about her family history. While her mother was alive she remained very secretive about her past.

So when Juliana discovers a photograph of a glamorous French actress from World War Two amongst her mother’s possessions, she is in shock to find herself looking at her grandmother – especailly as she is arm in arm with a Nazi Officer…

Desperate for answers, Juliana is determined to trace the journey of her grandmother. Surely there is more to the photograph than meets the eye?

But as she delves into Sylvie’s past, nothing can prepare Juliane for the tales of secrets, betrayal and sacrifice which she will uncover.

A heart-wrenching story of love and war, perfect for fans of Pam Jenoff and Suzanne Goldring.

My review

When Juliana Chastain is clearing up her mother’s belongings, she finds a picture of a glamourous French actress. The picture is obviously taken during World War Two. Juliana is shocked when she discovers that the woman in the picture is her grandmother, the famous Sylvie Martone. And what shocks Juliana even more, is that Sylvia is arm in arm with a Nazi Officer.

Juliana is determined to find out if her grandmother was really sympathizing with the Germans.  The more she learns from her grandmother’s past, the more it’s obvious that there is more to Sylvie than thought.

Even without World War Two, Sylvie’s story is a heart-breaking one. She always dreamed of becoming a actress, but the path towards becoming a famous and admired one, is not an easy one. I felt sorry for her for everything she went through.
And the way she was treated by those who should protect her, was truly despicable.

And when during the War the Nazi’s take a liking on her, she goes from a beloved actress to a despised by the people.
Of course people are always ready to judge someone else, without knowing the truth. Because the truth is very different than what we see.

What this story shows us that there is always more to story than what we think. They way someone acts is not always the way someone truly is.

I admired also Juliana determination to find out the truth. She senses that there is more to her grandmother, who she never knew. She does not stop when it becomes difficult. And yes, it was funny to read how the Sisters in the convent are helping her. I assure you, not all Sisters are what you think!

Yet I had sometimes the feeling of missing some bits. I think that for some situations it would have better to be giving more details to understand it better. And on other moments I had the feeling that the solution was found too easy, too accidental.

But overall I found this a nice read, with two timelines about two total different people. And it shows the courage of people during terrible times. And there is more to a story than we think.

When the stranger you had a drunk night with appears to be your new boss!

Synopsis

Working beyond nine to five and barely getting by, Melanie Thomas is eager to celebrate the impending holiday season and to toast the start of her dream marketing job over drinks with her boyfriend. Unfortunately, he has different plans—like seeing other women.

Indulging in a pity party with tequila, Melanie confides in a sexy stranger at the bar. It’s almost Christmas. One night of letting go won’t hurt anything, right? Turns out it just might—when the stranger is her new boss. Determined to succeed at her job, Melanie won’t be scared away. This is her chance, even if her hot boss has her feeling all merry and bright and wishing for a less-than-professional relationship.

Matthew Ryans is burned out and on thin ice at the company he helped build unless he gets his head back in the game. Yet his head, both upper and lower, are quickly becoming obsessed with his new assistant. Still, he can’t seem to fully begrudge Melanie’s distracting presence and the Christmas joy she brings with it. Especially considering that her enthusiasm has him reenergized. For once, he is longing for Mondays, but with his heart and job on the line, he can’t risk blurring the lines no matter how strong the lure of holiday mistletoe is.

Will their holiday passion be able to fuel mutual career success, or will it only get in their way in the New Year?

My review

Melanie Thomas wants to celebrate the start of her new job with her boyfriend. But when he doesn’t show up at the agreed place, she finds out that they have different ideas about their relationship and the concept of being exclusive.

So when she is having a pity party with tequila, she meets a sexy stranger and they start talking. One night of loosen up a bit won’t do any harm…
When the next day it becomes clear that her new boss is the stranger of last night, Melanie is determined to keep it all professional.

Matthew Ryans is heading towards a total burn – out, but when Melanie is hired as his assistant, he suddenly gets inspired and her energy is surely contagious!
Will they be able to keep it all professional? Or will the magic of Christmas do his thing and bring these two people together?

I can only imagine the horror of finding out when you had a drunk night with your new boss! Yet isn’t it wonderful to read about these forbidden romances?

I found this a very entertaining story. Both Melanie and Matthew are really dedicated to their job and do not want to jeopardize it by starting a relationship.
Yet their chemistry truly sparks from the pages and I enjoyed reading about how they were getting closer!

When that first kiss FINALLY happens I was screaming with joy, because I was waiting for it!
Although I must say, I wasn’t prepared for that steamy moment! But even if I didn’t see that one coming, it fitted in the story perfectly!

Of course it cannot be story without any drama. Without giving anything away, the drama was unfair and someone had to make things right. And I loved it!

This is a funny, sweet story about crushing on your boss (and I admit, I had a little on Matthew myself!) and trying to do the right thing. Christmas was a wonderful side character, using its magic to get these 2 people together!

How one holiday can be so different in time…

Synopsis

As the anticipation of Christmas builds in the Nielsen family’s cosy farmhouse, Jo, Magnus and their grown-up children begin to congregate for a hybrid Danish-Jersey festive season, each with a surprise of their own – though the surprise that arrives over Christmas is the most life-changing of all.

Fifty years earlier, in 1969, Susan Jones finds herself being pursued by Mr Jenners, her former English teacher, and at the age of seventeen is packed off to a Home for Unmarried Mothers in London by her uncompromising father. As Christmas approaches, all she can do is desperately hope to be rescued, but will anyone be able to reach her in time?

The two timelines of this festive story gradually weave together in a tale that examines whether love and hope can eventually triumph over even the deepest sadness.

Rebecca Boxall is the award-nominated author of five bestselling novels – Christmas at the Vicarage, Home for Winter, Christmas on the Coast, The Christmas Forest and Christmas by the Lighthouse.

My review

In 1969, Susan is working in a bakery after school. When she receives too much attention from Mr. Jenners, her former English teacher, she does not know what to do.
At seventeen, she is forced by her father to go to a Home For Unmarried Mothers in London. With Christmas and her due date are approaching, she hopes someone will rescue her.

Fifty years later, Jo is ready for an amazing Danish – Jersey Christmas together with her husband Magnus and her grown – up children.
Each member of the family has a surprise of their own, although there is one surprise that will be the most life – changing!

This is a rather short story, but don’t get fooled by it.
I found myself on a rollercoaster of emotions, reading about beautiful moments, but also about heart – breaking moments.

When I started reading about this book, I knew what would happen to Susan. Or at least, I thought I knew what would happen to her.
The truth was on one hand so beautiful, but on the other hand so terrible.
I am not familiar with the “reputation” of such places where young women were forced to give up their child for adoption. Maybe because all of it happened before I was born, but I only knew a little bit of it.
So reading about how Susan had to endure everything, was not an easy task. I needed some time to digest it all.

But there are so many beautiful moments in it too. Reading how Jo, Magnus and their family are celebrating Christmas, made me feel all warm and cosy. It was also nice to read what some of the Danish traditions are!
And also Susan had beautiful memories to read about!

I have to say, rather early on in the story, I thought I figured out why there were two different timelines. But without giving anything away, I can just tell you, I was wrong!

This book was a real eye-opener concerning a not so far away past. It shows us how we have progressed for the better.
But is also a book about forgiveness and closure. I can only imagine how a child must feel when being adopted. Of course, there are amazing adopting parents out there (luckily!) but I can understand a child (no matter what age) can feel rejected. And this story is about learning the real reasons and understanding that not always the decision is in your hands.

I loved this story as it handles about things that happened for real, yet the subject is threated with so much care.
And I fell in love with Jo her family and their own traditions, even if they were different than mine!

How will this all end???

Synopsis

Past secrets return to complicate Maisie’s future with the charming Sidney Daniels in the final installment of the Cornish romance series.

Picking up where book seven left off, Maisie’s plans to celebrate her book’s thrilling news remain on hold after Sidney has vanished from Port Hewer overnight, following a brush with his secret past. His departure leaves Maisie with a head full of questions and a heart torn in two, made even worse by the rumors flying about him through the town. Where and why has he gone? Will he ever come back again? And—foremost in Maisie’s mind—was the heartache from his younger days somehow to blame for his sudden and mysterious flight?

But when Dean convinces her that Sidney may be facing a choice that could ruin his life, Maisie must set out to find him, once again leaving behind the Cornish seaside haven of Port Hewer she’s come to think of as home, and leaving behind the answer to a secret she’s been longing to know since the beginning. Not knowing when or if she’ll return, she’s taking the biggest risk with her heart so far…and the truth she discovers waiting for her at the end of her journey will make her wonder if things can ever possibly be the same as they were before.

Questions are answered, secrets are spilled, and the biggest reveal of the series is finally unveiled as A LITTLE HOTEL IN CORNWALL reaches its exciting conclusion.

My review

Maisie is having contradicting feelings. On one hand, she Is excited about the news of her book. Yet she is heartbroken after Sidney left without an explanation. And all the rumours aren’t exactly helping.
She has so many questions… where did Sidney go? Will he come back? And who is to blame for his sudden leave?
After Dean convinces her that Sidney may lose himself, Maisie sets on a journey to find answers to her questions.

It was with a little bit pain in my heart when I started reading this next chapter in the story of Maisie. I knew it would all come to an end, but I started to care about everyone and I was sad knowing that there would be no more adventures for Maisie to read about.

This last story showed again how much Maisie has matured over all her adventures. Not only does she truly chases her dreams, but she also doesn’t avoid confrontations. She wants to hear from Sidney himself what is going on and be by his side. She wants to be with him, but if that is not an option, she still wants to be there for him as a friend.

I think that this last part was more about Sidney and his demons, instead of Maisie’s. without giving too much away, he didn’t grew up in a family like mine or yours. He comes from a whole different world and I understood why he wanted to get away from it all.

In this book, it’s made clear that getting away from a situation is easy, but without closure, your past will always catch up.
There were some people I instant disliked, but because of Sidney, I tried to understand that way of thinking. And even if I didn’t agree with them, I understood them.

Maisie and Sidney are probably facing the hardest obstacle in their relationship. Yet they both show how much they care and love each other. They are ready to make decisions that will break their hearts, if it would mean that the other one would be where they want to be.

All my questions got answered, some surprised me, some not. After reading the last page, I felt a bittersweet emotion. It was an end of an amazing adventure for Maisie, but also for me as reader.
And maybe I’m being too optimistic, but I see a lot of potential for more adventures?😁

What would you change if you could go back in time?

Synopsis

What if you could go back in time and fix the biggest mistake of your life?

Two years ago, Maisie’s best friend walked out of her life and she hasn’t heard from him since. When she wakes up in 1994, she naturally assumes she’s dreaming. But when she finds herself in the past again the next night and her actions in the dream alter her present-day life, she begins to wonder if she’s somehow hopping back in time. And if she is time-travelling, can she save her friendship with Jonas?

When Maisie is forced to relive Christmases of the past, will she face up to her mistakes, or make them all over again?

The 12 Christmases of You & Me is a magical tale of friendship, first loves, and learning to live in the present.

My review

Maisie is looking forward seeing her best friend getting married. Only is she afraid to see her other best friend again, as it has been 2 years since she last heard from him.

When she finds herself suddenly back in 1994, she is obviously dreaming, right? But when the next day she discovers that the things she dreamed about have altered her past, she starts to believe that she actually went back in time. especially when the next night she dreams again of going back in the past!

How strange it may be, will this be a way to save her friendship with Jonas again? And whatever she decides to do in her ‘dreams’, how will they affect her present?

Whenever I read a story where time travelling is taking place, I found it a difficult concept to grasp. Yet in this story I found it fit perfectly in Maisie’s story.
Thanks to the time travelling, I got the opportunity to understand Maisie better, learning what happened in her past.
And meeting this intriguing character that Jonas is…

I loved reading how Maisie grew up, how friendships were born and lasting through the years. Maisie has the opportunity to make several changes in her past, but what to change and what not?
It was beautiful to see how her feelings are changing through the story and despite her desire to make them clear in the past, she knows that the most important thing of her present would never be happening.

I found this an amazing story to read. Of course, not everything is 100% realistic. But it allowed us readers to get to know these characters on a special way. And it showed me that sometimes you have to go through very hard times, but that when the time is right, all pieces fall into place.

I think that this book should come with a warning: once you start reading, you will find it nearly impossible to put it away.
What happens in the story is magical, but that magic pulls you into the story, and does not let you go. I loved every bit of it!

When you meet you first love again in Paris.

Synopsis

Parisian reunion
With the one that got away!

Celebrity chef James Harrington never expected to find himself face-to-face with Chloe, his first love, again… Especially, with her working as a chambermaid at his luxury hotel! Their chemistry’s as strong as ever, but she’s hiding a secret. Can James convince Chloe that their love is worth taking a chance on – again?

Katie Fforde wrote, when honouring her with the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 2019 said – “Liz Fielding’s books, with their warmth, humour and emotion, have charmed millions of readers. She is a true star of the romantic fiction genre.”

My review

Chloe is working as a housemaid in a luxury hotel. It’s not her dream job, but at least it pays the bills. One day she gets the shock of her life, because while she is doing her chores in a room, celebrity chef James Harrington enters the room.
Chloe is in shock, not because she meets a celebrity, but because James was her first love.
The chemistry is between them is still palpable, but Chloe does not want to give their love a second chance, as she is hiding a secret.

Will James be able to change Chloe’s mind?

Reading a story about meeting a first love again, of course you just hope it will go how you pictured the story in your mind.
And yes, of course it is such a story!

But there was more to this story than I thought, and it was a pleasant surprise!
Chloe her family is not your standard family, and that made her escape from them, trying to make a life on her own in Paris, forgetting her past.

And then we have James. He is known all over the world as a cook, yet there is something he is still missing.
When he sees Chloe again, he does whatever he can to persuade her to give him and their love a second chance.

The chemistry between Chloe and James is obvious. The attraction they had in the past, is still there. But now they are both different and have truly grown up, both literally as figuratively.
As Chloe has been forced to do as her father pleased for too long, now she won’t allow James t do just the same.
Even if James is having the best of intentions, the way he expresses himself is not the way to Chloe’s heart.
And I think that this is the most important message this story wants us to learn. A relationship is not made of getting it your way, but talking about it, asking the opinion of the on you love and find a common ground.

It’s not only a story with 2 people and a chance of love again, but I found it also bittersweet. The things this couple had to endure when they were younger, broke my heart. But despite that hardship, they came out of it even stronger.

Their meeting is also the reason they dare to face their demons of the past and show that they aren’t broken.

Overall, this was a beautiful story, taking place in beautiful surroundings. I did not only enjoy reading about Paris, but also the Chateau stole my heart.
A lovely romance, about past mistakes, looking at the future, daring to be your truly self. And all around Christmas! I loved every bit of it and I cannot wait to read more from this author!

One of the sweetest stories I’ve ever read!

Synopsis

You’re never too old to fall in love…

There is a disturbance in the force and octogenarian Hattie Jenkins can feel it in her water. Still active and spritely, she guesses that the miserable-looking gentleman sitting morosely in the café where she works, might be the reason.

Widowed Alfred Miller has recently moved in with his daughter because she is worried that he’s becoming too frail and forgetful to look after himself. And he’s not in the least bit happy about it, especially since his home is soon be cleared and sold.

But when he enlists Hattie’s help to save some of his precious belongings, he doesn’t realise that Hattie’s mission is to save more than a few sticks of furniture. She’s on a mission to save him, too.

My review

Alfred Miller has recently moved in with his daughter. She is afraid Alfred is becoming too forgetful and is not capable anymore to take care of himself.
Of course Alfred is not happy with him moving out of the home he shared with his wife and being kept an eye on. Having to sell everything he once cared so much about, has changed him in a grumpy man.

But when he meets Hattie, he doesn’t know yet how his life will change. It all starts when Hattie helps him with saving his belongings.
Hattie is the total opposite of Alfred and she is also determined to make him feel needed and having a purpose.

I can honestly say that this is such a sweet story!

From the very start I fell in love with Hattie and her enthusiasm and energy! For being a lady of a certain age, she surely is very active!
And then we have the total opposite in Alfred… since his wife died, he is a bit letting himself go. And I surely understood him! losing the love of your life, and feeling that you are a burden to your own daughter, I would feel also depressed!

When Alfred meets Hattie, he doesn’t like her interfering. But just as Hattie, I knew it was a kind of a defence mechanism. Thanks to Hattie, Alfred is getting out of his shell and even starts to enjoy life again, despite his daughter bothering him. Now, before you start thinking bad about the daughter, just don’t… slowly it will all become clear.

But did story took me by surprise! I know this author so I knew it would be a beautiful story, but I didn’t expect to fall totally in love with all the characters, the community and the toys!
Alfred has a hidden talent, making the most amazing toys, and how I wished I could see them for real!

But this story is not only about the toys and the good will of people. It is also about caring about our elder people. Just because you are of a certain age, doesn’t mean that you are superfluous or only capable of sitting in a chair doing nothing.
I think everybody should take Hattie as an example. When you read about her, you would almost think she is a young woman.
And her energy is surely contagious! I loved reading about Alfred being dragged along in Hattie’s enthusiasm and starts melting and starts to enjoy everything he does!

Even if Alfred and Hattie are not of the youngest ages, I loved reading about their bickering and their growing friendship. This also proves that you are never too old for a new adventure, and that age is just a number.

If you are looking for one of the sweetest stories ever, about people being there for each other, I definitely recommend this one!